Journalist Report – May 4th

Crew 235 Journalist Report 04May2021
Author: Krysta Darby, Crew Journalist
Sol 2: Rock Sampling and Mission Patch Design

The day started at approximately 7:15am Earth’s MT when Thomas got up and started the coffee. Members of the crew got up one by one, eager to look out onto the Martian landscape. Atila filled the water tank, but recommended going forward it be filled at night in case there are any unforeseen issues overnight. A rodentia unfamilia was captured at an unknown time and was released out of the airlock by Randall. Director Shannon continued to work on the new generator, and the crew went into low power mode. While Krysta fixed a breakfast of spinach scrambled eggs and spam, the crew assembled around the table for morning coffee. Conversation over breakfast ranged from the day’s tasks to human rights issues in education. So far this crew has not shied away from digging deep into controversial topics. Atila and Randall led cleaning efforts in the kitchen as breakfast and a heated debate came to a conclusion.

After breakfast, Atila briefly reviewed the map of local terrain with the crew.

Today’s goal was for both teams to retrieve rock samples from Kissing Camel.

At 9:00, the crew traveled to the science dome to review the types of samples that could typically be found in the surrounding area with our resident expert, Shannon. For the purposes of this expedition, we will be referring to petrified wood as sulfur, blueberries as hematite, and lava rock as breccia. Temperature of the incubator was found to be 56 degrees Celsius. Atila adjusted to bring the temperature down to 25 degrees.

At 9:45, the crew headed back to the hub to prepare for the first team’s expedition. Jen, Randall, Jeff, and Allison stayed behind and prepared a lunch of macaroni and cheese casserole, while Atila, Krysta, Thomas, and Jennifer left the hub to collect samples from Kissing Camel. Krysta and Jennifer rode ATV’s and Atila and Thomas took the rover. They successfully collected several samples of sulfur along with some unique samples which will be analyzed. One fatality was reported due to a removed glove. Crew members are still acclimating to wearing suits for extended periods of time. A lack of maneuverability and the weight of the suit has been a challenge, but the adrenaline from inhabiting Mars fuels the team making the weight and discomfort of a space suit a minor inconvenience.

The first team returned to the hub at approximately 11:50am, and assisted the second team as they prepared for their expedition. First team enjoyed the macaroni and cheese casserole heartily and cleaned up the aftermath. The second crew reached Kissing Camel with no issues and collected samples, taking careful note of the context in which each sample was found. There was a second fatal mistake while the commander was adjusting her helmet. The crew is learning fast. Second team returned at about 1:30pm. They then had to sanitize the helmets and return the suits.

After comparing rock finds, the crew collaborated on patch design. It was noted that patch designs typically have the mission number/name/designation, and the design should represent the purpose of the mission. Last names of crew members usually border the patch, and flags of nationalities are also incorporated. After looking at examples and some brainstorming, the crew decided to incorporate symbolic representations of education, STEM, and collaboration. The patch will also incorporate a hexagon to represent the Beehive State, geometric lines representing the geodesic science dome, and the overall shape will represent the habitat. Allison has taken lead in final design as the person with the most experience in this field.

Each Crew member is currently working on their own project (reports, patch design, and telescope observations) for a few hours before the crew will come together for team building and dinner.